Almost 200 Christians are 'facing blasphemy charges in Pakistan'

Dozens of Christians in Pakistan are due to answer charges of blasphemy, new research published by the Catholic Church has found.

It concluded there are 187 live cases involving believers accused of insulting religion. Suspects face execution or life imprisonment if found guilty.

Human rights activists have previously warned that blasphemy accusations have been made to settle personal vendettas and persecute Christians in the country.

Fr James Channon from the Peace Centre in Lahore - a group which promotes inter-faith relations - told the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need: "The blasphemy law destroys the lives of those who have been accused, even if they avoid being executed.

"Any time Christians are accused of supposed blasphemy, all Christians in the region are indicted with them. This often leads to acts of violence against Christians."